Fast Lane Auto Repair is partnering with Christmas Wish and Santa Claus to ensure that every kid in the area that wants a bike for Christmas will get one. With the North Pole battling staffing issues, owner Tony Lane was ecstatic that he and his crew at Fast Lane could help.
The two organizations partnered last year to provide more than 600 bikes in less than a month. With an earlier starting point this year, they hope to exceed that number.
“Last year was such as success. Seeing kids and families receive bikes, it hits home,” Lane said. “Every kid that wrote to Santa last year wanting a bike received one. We are going to do this every year.”
The American Legion created the event and asked Fast Lane to help before eventually turning it over to them. Lane and company donated last year’s bikes to Goodfellows, the Salvation Army, and Christmas Wish.
While Christmas Wish is the primary benefactor this year, organizers plan to donate any excess bicycles to additional worthy causes. Santa will pick up this year’s bikes at Christmas Wish’s headquarters and deliver them to children all over the area.
Anyone interested in making a financial contribution to the cause can drop off money at Fast Lane during regular business hours. Lane will use the funds donated to purchase new bicycles.
Individuals can also donate bicycles during working hours, and Lane and his crew will assemble any that require it before donating them.
Fast Lane Auto Repair is located at 2121 Triplett Street in Owensboro.
“This is the biggest outreach event I’ve ever done since opening the shop,” Lane said. “Anything that helps kids, that’s what I want to sponsor. That’s what I’m about.”
